System and method for remote communication

ABSTRACT

A method, device, and system for a user to place an order with a service provider using a Bluetooth-enabled apparatus that connects to a Bluetooth-enabled phone. Upon pressing a button on the Bluetooth-enabled apparatus, the apparatus and the phone automatically pair, and the phone automatically dials a preset number and sends a preset message to the service provider. A confirmation can be sent to the user. An order can also be placed automatically when the lid of the apparatus is opened. The apparatus can include indicator lights to signal errors and/or the status of the order.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/673,242, having Attorney Docket No. 11266/2030USPROV, filed onJul. 18, 2012, entitled “System and Method for Remote Communication,”which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to mobile communication systems, morespecifically it relates to remote mobile ordering devices.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Traditionally an individual communicates with a service provider eitherby using a telephone or by the use of email. The service provider can inturn respond to the individual using the same means. Certain serviceproviders provide their customers with the same type of products on aroutine basis. For example, a customer can place an order for theirfavorite pizza with their local pizzeria on a regular basis. However,because of the pizzeria's large client base, the customer most likelyhas to repeat their order rather than expect the pizzeria tospecifically hold their order in memory. Further, with today's hecticlifestyles, many individuals seek to spend as little time as possible inplacing their food orders, or any other tasks. Also, businesses areinterested in offering all, and especially their most loyal, customerswith simple and fast service to demonstrate an appreciation for theirbusiness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a method, device, and system forremote communication using a wireless communication device (also“apparatus”), the wireless communication device transmitting data usinga protocol recognizable by another communication device, the othercommunication device being capable of automatically transmitting thedata to a third party using conventional methods upon activation by thewireless communication device. In an embodiment, the communicationdevice is a mobile phone and/or a smartphone. In an embodiment, thecommunication device is a landline telephone. In an embodiment, thecommunication device is a processor. In an embodiment, the communicationprotocol used is BLUETOOTH, and activation of data transmission by theother communication device is by the push of a button and/or otheractivation activity on the wireless communication device.

In an embodiment, a method for remote communication between a senderusing a first wireless device, a second device, and a recipient includesthe first wireless device transmitting a predefined message and anidentification to the second device. The method for remote communicationincludes that the second device transmitting the predefined message tothe recipient upon an indication by the sender, and the recipientassociating the predefined message with the sender based on theidentification. In an embodiment, the method of the first device is aBLUETOOTH transmitter and the second device includes a BLUETOOTHreceiver. In an embodiment, the method includes the second device is atleast one of: a mobile phone and a telephone. In an embodiment, themethod includes that the second device calls the recipient.

In an embodiment, the method includes that the second deviceautomatically disconnects after a specifiable time period within whichthe recipient does not receive a call. In an embodiment, the methodincludes that the second device automatically transmits a missed callmessage, responsive to an error in the transmission. An acknowledgmentcan be automatically sent to the sender upon receipt of the predefinedmessage. In an embodiment, the predefined message is programmable.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for transmitting a predefined message,the apparatus includes a wireless communications circuit capable oftransmitting only a predefined message powered by a battery. In anembodiment, the apparatus includes a magnetic strip for connecting theapparatus to a magnetic surface. The apparatus can include an activationbutton for activating the wireless communications circuit, and a lid.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an indicator that shows whetherthe wireless communications circuit is paired with another device. In anembodiment, the wireless communications circuit of the apparatus uses aBLUETOOTH protocol. In an embodiment, the apparatus automatically powerson when the lid is opened, and the wireless communications circuitautomatically pairs with another device. In an embodiment, thepredefined message transmitted by the wireless communications circuit isprogrammable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an example wireless communicationapparatus that can be used to place an order.

FIG. 2A shows an example wireless communication apparatus having a lidin an open position.

FIG. 2B shows an example of a disassembled lid and front case of awireless communication apparatus.

FIG. 2C shows an example wireless communication apparatus having a lidin a closed position.

FIG. 2D shows an interior of a front case of an example wirelesscommunication apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows a magnet mounted on an example wireless communicationapparatus.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an example wireless communicationapparatus.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an example wireless communicationapparatus.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an example wireless communicationapparatus.

FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of an example wireless communicationapparatus have a swivelable lid in a closed state.

FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of an example wireless communicationapparatus having a swivelable lid in an open state.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of an example wireless communicationapparatus having a removable battery panel.

FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of an example wireless communicationapparatus having a removable battery panel.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an example wireless communicationapparatus having a noise indicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method, device, andsystem for placing an order using a Bluetooth-enabled apparatus thatconnects to a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone and upon pressing a buttonor contact area on the device, calls a phone number to communicate thatan order has been placed. The order can be a preprogrammed and/or sentby a conventional method, for example, in the form of a text message,Short Message System (“SMS”), and/or Email.

FIG. 1 shows an example wireless communication apparatus 100(“BLUETOOTH-enabled device” for convenience) that can be used to placean order. The apparatus 100 can contain a magnet 122, an activationbutton 112, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 114, and a battery116. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include: a front case 104,a main case 118, a lid 102, an indicator 106, and/or a pair key 108.

The magnet 122 can be used to attach the apparatus 100 to a magneticsurface, such as a refrigerator. In an embodiment, the magnet 122 ismounted on the exterior of the main case 118. The front case 104 and themain case 118 can protect the circuitry and sensitive components of theapparatus 100 from the environment and leave only the activation button112 and the magnet 122 exposed for use. The exterior of the magnet canbe modified for marketing purposes. For example, the main case 118 andfront case 104 can be designed in any shape, such as a star, shoe,bottle, and food. For example, the main case 118 and front case 104 candepict the service and/or good being offered. Examples of goods andservices include but are not limited to restaurants delivering food,stores delivering bottles of beverages, shoe shining services, ticketpurchase service for sporting and entertainment events, and laundry anddry cleaning services. The lid 112 can be designed to include a screenshowing the good and/or service offered. The lid can be a screen showingadvertisements for local businesses utilizing the apparatus.

In an embodiment, the surface of the front case 104 can have any designshowing the goods and/or services being offered by pressing the button.The design can include, but is not limited to text and graphics.

The PCBA 114 is powered on when the lid 102 is opened. The PCBA 114contains circuitry for transmitting and/or receiving a signal. In anembodiment, the PCBA 114 is enabled for a wireless protocol, forexample, BLUETOOTH-enabled. The battery 116 is used to power theapparatus and can be single-use or re-chargeable. The lid 102 canfurther protect the activation button 112 from being accidentallypushed. The lid 102 can contain a window for convenient viewing of theindicator 106 without opening the apparatus 100.

An indicator 106 can be a LED light showing the status of the apparatus100. For example, multiple colors can be used; one color can showwhether the apparatus 100 has successfully paired; another color canshow that the order has been successfully placed. In an embodiment, theindicator 106 shows when the apparatus is connected to a power source606, as in FIG. 6, described below, and/or is fully charged. In anembodiment, the indicator 106 flashes in red when the device is notconnected via BLUETOOTH to a BLUETOOTH-enabled phone, and can flash inblue when the device is connected to a BLUETOOTH-enabled phone. In anembodiment, a display screen can be a part of the device to indicatewhether an order has been placed, or error message regarding, e.g.,transmission.

In an embodiment, indicator 106 can be a noise indicator and/or speaker,such that a specific sound is emitted from the device when the userinteracts with the apparatus. FIG. 9 shows a place through the frontcase for a speaker or other noise emitting device. For example, onesound can be emitted when the apparatus is successfully paired. Anothersound can be emitted to confirm to the user that an order has beenplaced. A specific sound can be emitted when the apparatus is charging,and/or low on power. In an embodiment, the user can customize theapparatus such that a specific sound is programmed to a specific task.For example, the user can set the functions when initiating theapparatus.

In an embodiment, a pair key 108 allows the user control over whether topair with a device. If the apparatus 100 does not automatically pair,the pair key 108 can be provided. The pair key 108 can be a sliding keywith one position for pairing and another for turning off pairing.

In an embodiment, when the lid 102 is opened, the PCBA 114 is poweredon. The power can be provided by the battery 116. In an embodiment, aBLUETOOTH-enabled apparatus waits on standby for Bluetooth connectionwith a BLUETOOTH-enabled phone, but only connects when the user pushesthe activation button 112. The apparatus 100 can pair via BLUETOOTH to aBLUETOOTH-enabled mobile phone (not shown), and the mobile phone canautomatically dial a preset number. For example, the preset number canbe associated with a service provider. The button 112 establishes aBluetooth connection creating a personal area network (‘PAN’), directingthe apparatus to contact a telephone number. The apparatus 100 can pairautomatically or the user can activate pairing via the pair key 108. Inan embodiment, the mobile phone can automatically disconnect when thecall is received. In an embodiment, the phone automatically disconnectsafter a specified number of rings. In an embodiment, the phoneautomatically disconnects after a specified period of time.

In an embodiment, the phone number associated with the phone placing thecall is recorded via caller ID by a receiving party. In an embodiment,the mobile phone can transmit the phone number such that a missed callidentifying the caller is received by the service provider. In anembodiment, the receiving party (also referred to as the recipient)records the mobile phone number upon receipt and cross-references itwith a database listing specific details about the mobile phone number,such as the order. In an embodiment, the receiving party records themobile phone number upon receipt and cross-references it with a databaselisting a desired order, and if there exists a desired order, anautomated SMS message can be sent to the phone number confirming thatthe desired order has been received and is being processed.

In an embodiment, the receiving party records the phone number uponreceipt and cross-references it with a database listing a desired order,and if no desired order is listed for that phone number, the receivingparty will contact the phone number to obtain further details. In anembodiment, the receiving party records the phone number upon receipt,cross-references it with a database listing specific details about themobile phone number, and can send these details via Email, SMS, or voiceAPI (application programming interface) to an alternate phone number forprocessing. An automated SMS can be sent to the phone number to confirmfor processing.

In an embodiment, the button 112 can be any design that permitsuser-initiated contact between the button 112 and PCBA 114. For example,the button can be a switch, a lever, and/or a rotatable handle. Or, forexample, the contact or activity area could be a touchscreen ordifferent contact area. Or, for example, the activity area (e.g., thebutton) can be a biometric read, such that when a specific thumb/fingerprint is read, the preprogrammed order associated with that thumb/fingerprint is sent. Thus, one device or system can be applicable for multiplepersons or any persons. A database according to the embodimentsdescribed here is kept which also keeps track of an extra field of thespecific thumb/finger print associated with an order. Or, for example,the activity area could be a numeric- and/or alpha-code that works in asimilar fashion for identification purposes with the order. Suchprovides additional security, without removing the convenience providedby the present invention.

In an embodiment, the battery 116 can be positioned in the apparatussuch that it can be replaced. For example, since batteries have alimited life, the user cannot use the apparatus once the battery dies.In an embodiment, the battery 116 can be accessible via an opening inthe main case 118 and/or front case 104. The main case 118 and/or frontcase 104 can have an opening to allow a user to remove and replace thebattery. In an embodiment, the main case 118 and/or front case 104 canhave a panel that is removably attached, such that the user can accessthe battery by detaching a panel. FIGS. 8A and 8B show examples of anopening 805 and a panel 810. For example, the panel can be attached byconventional screws, and/or a clip that is formed as part of the panel.

FIGS. 2A to 2D show various components of the case of a wirelesscommunication apparatus. FIG. 2A shows an assembled example wirelesscommunication apparatus 210 having a lid 211 in an open position. Theapparatus 210 can also have an activation button 213, a connection port215, and a second connection port (not shown). The connection port 215can receive various input, for example, mini-USB (Universal Serial Bus).In an embodiment, the connection port 215 can be used to connect an ACrecharging adapter. In an embodiment, the connection port 215 can alsobe used to charge via USB and connect the device to a computer toprogram the preset number and preset message. For example, the presetmessage is preprogrammed and can be a specific order, such as thecombination of topping on a pizza. The preset number can be the phonenumber of the local pizzeria. In an embodiment, two separate ports areused for AC charging and USB charging.

FIG. 2B shows a disassembled lid 211 and front case 231 of an examplewireless communication apparatus 230. The lid 211 can have a component237 for locking into the body of the apparatus 230 via the front case231. In an embodiment, the locking component 237 is a hinge, such thatthe lid can rotate about an axis 255 created by the hinge to open andclose. The lid can also have a tab 233. The tab 233 protrudes from theedge of lid 211. The tab 233 is positioned to correspond to a lip 235 ofthe front case 231. The lip 235 can be a groove and/or depression, suchthat when the lid is closed, a user can easily open the lid 211. In anembodiment, the tab 223 can have a hook and the frame can have a springlatch, such that the lid can be pressed to compress the spring andrelease the latch to open the lid from the frame.

In an embodiment, the lid 211 can be attached to the front case 231 by amechanical coupling. For example, the coupling can be a hinge, clasp,hook, and pin. The lid 211 can rotate around an axis parallel to a sideof the front case 231. The lid 211 can swivel around a corner point toslidably, and/or swivelably open. FIGS. 7A and 7B show the lid 211 beingswivelable. FIG. 7A is a perspective view 700 of an apparatus with thelid 211 closed. FIG. 7B is a perspective view 715 of an apparatus withthe lid swiveled open. Collar 705 and pin 710 ensures the lid 211remains closed, as shown in FIG. 7A unless the user manually swivels thelid open, as shown in FIG. 7B.

In an embodiment, when the lid 211 is opened, the PCBA (not shown)powers on and pairs via BLUETOOTH to a BLUETOOTH-enabled phone. When thelid 211 is closed, the PCBA powers off. In an embodiment, when the lid211 is open, and activation button 213 is depressed, a preset number isdialed via the paired mobile phone.

Other wireless communication technologies can be used with the presentinvention. BLUETOOTH is an example of a working transmission system tobe used with the present invention.

FIG. 2C shows an example wireless communication apparatus 250 having alid in a closed position. As described above, the lid can have a window251 that enables a user to view an indicator mounted on the apparatusbeneath the lid. For example, the window 251 can be large enough topermit the light of a light indicator to pass through. For example, thewindow 251 is the size of a pinpoint. The window can be large enough toallow sound to emit when the indicator is a noise and/or soundindicator.

FIG. 2D shows an interior (“backside”) of a front case 231 of an examplewireless communication apparatus 270. The front case 231 can have anopening 293 for at least part of an activation button to be placedthrough. A top surface 256 of the front case 231 covers the internalcomponents and shows only the activation button. An indicator 291 can beattached to the backside of the front case 231. For example, theindicator can be attached by snapping into a recess of the front case231. The opening 293 of the front case 231 is positioned such that theindicator 291 is aligned with the window on the lid 251 described above.

FIG. 3 shows a magnet 302 mounted on an example wireless communicationapparatus 300. The apparatus can have one or more magnets to attach to amagnetic surface. The magnet can be circular in shape (as shown), arectangular strip (not shown), and any other shape. The shape of themagnet can fit the main case 231. For example, the main case 231 canhave a recess the shape of the magnet 302 such that the surface is flatto be connected to a magnetic surface. The recess can be the shape ofany mechanical joining such as a clip, stand, and hook. The recess canbe the shape of an adhesive, such as Velcro, tape, or removableadhesive. In an embodiment, the magnet 302 can be another material forattaching the apparatus to a surface, for example, a removable adhesive,VELCRO and/or tape. A removable adhesive can be a adhesive that does notremain on a surface of an object. For example, a user can attach theapparatus including but not limited to a wall, countertop, and/orcupboard. The removable adhesive keeps the apparatus attached until theuser desires to remove it. When the apparatus is removed from the wall,countertop, and/or cupboard, no residue adhesive remains on thosesurfaces. In an embodiment, the apparatus can be designed to be attachedas a keychain. In an embodiment, the apparatus has a mechanical joiningand/or coupling attached to a surface of the case, such as a clip, hook,and/or clasp. In an embodiment, the apparatus can have a stand tosupport the device in an upright state on any surface. The apparatus canbe mounted on any surface for the convenience of the user. For example,a clip can attach the apparatus to a car visor or shelf.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an example wireless communicationapparatus 400. The apparatus 400 has a battery 401, a magnet 409, anactivation button 403, a PCBA 405, and an indicator 407. The activationbutton 403 can be movable substantially perpendicular to the top surface256 of the front case 231 such that the activation button 403 is pressedto turn on a switch on the PCBA 405, thereby activating the apparatus400.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication device is configured tooperate in a wireless network, and the communication device is a devicecapable of running a Web application, including mobile application, fortransmitting data to the third party.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication device has an auto-connectfeature enabling the device to automatically turn on and off responsiveto a compartment on the wireless communication device being moved, forexample, the lid being opened and closed.

In an embodiment, the apparatus is initially synced with a user's mobilephone. A user presets the apparatus via a website over the Internet. Inan embodiment a user presets the apparatus via the BLUETOOTH device. Forexample, a user can select a particular good or service to order from abusiness using the apparatus. The user's particular selection is tied tothe user's account. For example, when the order is placed, the user ischarged for the goods and/or services. Once the apparatus is synced withthe user's particular selection, the user can press the activationbutton on the apparatus. In an embodiment, the user is a sender. Whenthe sender presses the activation button, information is transferredautomatically to a recipient. For example, a business, such as arestaurant, is a recipient. The apparatus can interact with a specificrestaurant. A user's particular selection can be a favorite meal. Theuser presses the activation button, thereby ordering their favorite mealfrom the restaurant. The user receives a confirmation SMS message oftheir order. For example, if the order was a mistake, the user cancancel the order. The user can change the preset selection at any time.In an embodiment, the user changes their particular selection via awebsite over the Internet.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a global positioning system(‘GPS’). The GPS can track a user's location. The location can betransmitted with the particular selection when the user presses theactivation button. For example, the user can have the goods and/orservices delivered to wherever the apparatus is physically located.

In an embodiment, the apparatus can be utilized in connection with alicensed backend POS/CRM (“Point of Sale”)(“Customer RelationshipManagement”). The POS can integrate with a business' POS for directcommunication and a desired end-to-end solution.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an embodiment of the invention which providesa Bluetooth enabled apparatus containing a magnetic strip 501, powerbutton 502, a Bluetooth PCBA 503, and a battery 504. When the powerbutton 502 is pressed, the PCBA 503 is powered. In an embodiment, whenthe power button 502 is pressed it pairs via Bluetooth a Bluetoothenabled mobile telephone and the mobile telephone immediately dials apreset number. In an embodiment, the mobile telephone automaticallydisconnects when the call is received.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an embodiment of the invention which providesa Bluetooth enabled apparatus containing a magnetic strip 601, anactivation button 602, a Bluetooth PCBA 603, a battery 604 and a lid. Inan embodiment, the PCBA 603 is powered on when the lid is opened. In anembodiment, when the lid 605 is open and activation button 602 isdepressed, a preset number is dialed via the connected mobile telephone.

In an embodiment, the apparatus can be charged by connecting to a powersource 606. The power source 606 can be connected to the apparatus byinput 607. In an embodiment, the power source 606 can be connected tothe apparatus via USB charging adaptor 608.

In an embodiment, an LED light 607 informs the user of the status of theapparatus. For example, the LED light 607 can flash red when theapparatus is not connected via Bluetooth to Bluetooth enable phone orflashes in blue when the device is connected to a Bluetooth enabledphone.

The descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments above should beread as example and not limiting. Modifications, variations, andimprovements are possible in light of the teachings above and the claimsbelow, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

The subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarilylimited to the specific features, or specific implementations describedabove. Many other configurations of computing devices, communicationsfeatures, applications, and distributed software and/or hardware systemscan be employed to implement the described invention as claimed. Thespecific features and methods described above are thus disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims and embodiments, and can beused in combination with and without each other.

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A method comprising: at a recipient device,receiving a communication from a second communication device, wherein:the second communication device sends the communication automatically inresponse to receiving a wireless communication, wherein the wirelesscommunication includes information identifying the recipient device, asingle user action applied to a button on the first communication deviceis sufficient to trigger an activation of the first communication devicewithout any user selection of order details, and the first communicationdevice sends the wireless communication to the second communicationdevice in response to the activation; at the recipient device,processing a purchase order in response to receiving the communicationby: associating the purchase order with a user account of a sender; andextracting order details that were included in the communication;wherein: the order details include information describing a good or aservice to be purchased, and the order details were predefined byprogramming the first communication device through a connection to acomputer.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first communicationdevice includes a wireless transmitter and the second communicationdevice includes a wireless receiver.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereinthe wireless transmitter communicates with the wireless receiver using awireless communication protocol.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein thewireless communication protocol is Bluetooth protocol.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the wireless communication protocol is Wi-Fi protocol.20. The method of claim 15, wherein the recipient device: records anaddress of the second communication device; cross-references the addressof the second communication device with a database listing a desiredorder; and confirms the desired order by sending a message to a deviceof the sender.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the firstcommunication device: includes a global positioning system; and isconfigured to include the location of the first communication device inthe wireless communication that the communication device sends to thesecond communication device.
 22. The method according to claim 15,wherein the information identifying the recipient device is stored atthe first communication device and wirelessly transmitted to the secondcommunication device in the wireless communication.
 23. An apparatuscomprising: a processor; a memory; a wireless communications circuitpowered by a battery; and a button, wherein a single user action appliedto the button is sufficient to trigger an activation of the apparatuswithout any user selection of order details; wherein: the apparatus isconfigured to wirelessly transmit a message to a communication deviceusing the wireless communications circuit in response to the activation;the message is configured to trigger the communication device to forwardthe message to a recipient device in automated response to receipt ofthe message at the communication device; and the message is furtherconfigured to cause the recipient device to process a purchase order inresponse to receiving the message by extracting order details includedin the message; wherein: the order details describe a good or a serviceto be purchased; and the order details are stored on the apparatus byprogramming the apparatus through a wireless connection to a computer.24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a removable adhesivefor attaching the apparatus to a surface.
 25. The apparatus of claim 23,further comprising an indicator.
 26. The apparatus of claim 23, whereinthe wireless communications circuit is configured to use a wirelesscommunication protocol.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein thewireless communications protocol is Bluetooth protocol.
 28. Theapparatus of claim 26, wherein the wireless communications protocol isWi-Fi protocol.
 29. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the order detailsof the message are stored in the memory.
 30. The apparatus of claim 23,wherein the order details are programmed over the Internet.
 31. Theapparatus of claim 23, further comprising a connection port forconnecting the apparatus to a computer for programming the apparatuswith the order details.